Cycling through golden fields at sunset.
Mountain biking is a great way to get out and enjoy nature. Wisconsin has a perfect terrain for those looking for intermediate to a more challenging course. Speed through heavily forested trails and make a pit stop to take in the beautiful lakes! Here are the best mountain biking trails in the state.
Cam-Rock 3 Park Area 3, WI
This single track mountain bike trail is located in Rockdale. You’ll find a fun 11 miles worth of track to ride on. Other mountain bikers rank this trail to be intermediate compared to others. You’ll find narrow bridges located within heavily wooded areas, the course will take about an hour.
Rock Lake, WI
Rock Lake is another popular single track mountain biking trail. This intermediate trail will challenge you with its hilly terrain through thick forest and beautiful lakes. You’ll be surprised at how much of a work out you’ll get on the Rock Lake Mountain Bike Trail.
Levis Mound, Neillsville, WI
Hop on almost 20 miles worth of epic mountain biking trail in Neillsville. This single track is difficult due to its terrain and length. Don’t be surprised by the hills, mounds, sand, and roots when riding. If you’re a skilled mountain biker looking for an extra challenge you won’t be disappointed with this expansive trail.
Emma Carlin, Eagle, WI
The Emma Carlin offers three different loops of varying lengths. If you are looking for a trail that will be able to connect you to other great trails, the Emma Carlin in Eagle is perfect. It connects with the John Muir Trail—another challenging trail to try!
Hickory Ridge, Bloomer, WI
Hickory Ridge Trail is a great mountain biking trail that challenges you. You’ll find a couple of uphill battles, tricky terrain, but spectacular views. You’ll see tons of lakes on this seamlessly flowing trail. Enjoy 15 miles of well design trails in Bloomer.
Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI
The Alpine Valley mountain bike trail is short. The trail itself is only about five miles in length, but what it lacks in length it makes up for on the ride. The Alpine Valley Trail is an advanced trail bring you through a bunch of quick turns and a lot of uphill climbing. Skilled mountain bikers head on over!
Lowes Creek, Eau Claire, WI
Lowes Creek in Eau Claire is a fairly intermedia ride for those looking to get started. The track is around 10 miles in length and crosses creeks and has a few log obstacles. For the most part it will be smooth sailing for those looking to take in the scenery of Lowes Creek.
Middleton Bike Park, Middleton, WI
Middleton Bike Park (formerly known as Pleasant View) mountain bike trail is anything but an easy ride, so novices, be careful! This challenging trail takes you both in the woods and in the prairie. Pay attention to twists and obstacles and you flow through the trail.
Nine Mile, Wausau, WI
Contrary to its name, Nine Mile Trail is not nine miles—it’s 32! This trail has a little bit of everything but is a fairy intermediate trail. There are a bunch of twists and turns that are eventually evened out by a more flowy terrain. Be careful for rocks, stumps, and roots!
WinMan Trail
Anyone from beginner to expert can find some fun on WinMan Trail. It’s got challenging aspects from its twists and terrain to a more straight and narrow stretch. You’ll love how well maintained and easy to navigate the WinMan Trail is.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Cam-Rock 3 in Rockdale offers 11 miles of intermediate singletrack through dense woods and narrow bridges—perfect for a scenic, hour-long ride.
- Rock Lake is a popular intermediate trail with hilly, wooded terrain and lakeside views. The technical climbs make it both scenic and challenging.
- Levis Mound in Neillsville features nearly 20 miles of difficult singletrack with sand, roots, and steep hills. Advanced riders will appreciate the variety and intensity of the terrain.
- Emma Carlin Trail in Eagle offers three loop options and connects to the John Muir Trail, creating an extended route ideal for riders seeking distance and variety.
- Hickory Ridge in Bloomer has 15 miles of flowing trails, challenging climbs, and scenic lake views, perfect for intermediate to advanced riders.
- Alpine Valley in East Troy may be short at five miles, but its technical turns and steep climbs make it a favorite among experienced bikers.
- Lowes Creek in Eau Claire is a solid intermediate trail with 10 miles of creeks, logs, and forest paths—ideal for riders wanting a mix of scenery and manageable challenges.
- Middleton Bike Park in Middleton offers a rugged trail through woods and prairie. With technical features and twists, it's a challenging course for more advanced bikers.
- Nine Mile in Wausau spans 32 miles and offers a wide range of terrain. Expect rock gardens, roots, and flowy sections—great for intermediate riders looking to go long.
- WinMan Trails, near Winchester and Manitowish Waters, provide well-maintained routes for all levels. Whether looking for technical features or smooth cruising, this network has everything.
